A woman tragically lost her life on Friday night after being hit by a car in Jacksonville’s Arlington area. This incident adds to the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in Duval County this year.
The unfortunate event occurred around 9 p.m. on University Boulevard North, close to Wiltshire Street, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. A Buick was traveling southbound in the inner lane when the woman, walking westbound, attempted to cross the street. The driver, a man in his late 20s, noticed her in the center turn lane. However, as he approached, she stepped out into the southbound lanes, resulting in her being struck by the vehicle.
Authorities reported that the driver immediately stopped his car and tried to provide assistance to the injured woman, who was in her mid-20s. Jacksonville Fire Rescue quickly arrived at the scene and transported her to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries soon after her arrival. The driver remained at the site of the accident and is cooperating fully with investigators. Importantly, there were no indications of impairment influencing the driver’s actions during the incident.
As of this incident, Jacksonville has seen 159 traffic-related deaths in Duval County for the year, with pedestrians accounting for 45 of these fatalities. The troubling rise in such incidents underscores the need for increased awareness and safety measures for both drivers and pedestrians across the region.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by pedestrians and the importance of vigilance from both drivers and people on foot. Community efforts to enhance road safety are crucial in preventing further losses.
Source: News4jax